GAO Suggests E-Filing Mandate for Preparers

In a new report to Congress, the Government Accountability Office takes a hard look at how the Internal Revenue Services manages its paperwork and customer service.

Pointing to a slowing growth rate in electronic filing, the GAO said that the IRS is missing an opportunity to generate additional savings and should consider seeking the authority to mandate electronic filing for certain income tax returns -- such as individual returns filed by paid tax preparers. In comments, IRS Commissioner Mark Everson agreed with a GAO recommendation for Congress to mandate electronic filing by paid tax preparers meeting criteria, such as filing a certain number of tax returns.